Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

ABSTRACT

A flight capable mobile platform adapted for covert deployment is provided. The mobile platform is additionally adapted to have a reduced vulnerability to hostile detection and aggression. The mobile platform includes a fuselage having a pair of sidewalls and a bottom. The sidewalls and bottom form an armored payload bay. The mobile platform additionally includes a pair of wings connected to the fuselage. The wings have a fixed wingspan constructed such that the mobile platform can be transported by a larger second mobile platform. This allows for the mobile platform to be aerial deployed from the larger second mobile platform. Each of the sidewalls include at least one pulse ejector thrust augmentor (PETA) bank that is canted outward. Therefore, thrust exhaust produced by each PETA bank is directed down and away from a centerline of the payload bay. Furthermore, the bottom of the mobile platform is adapted to allow ingress and egress of cargo, e.g. military troops, from the payload bay.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/649,033, filed on Aug. 27, 2003. The disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to flight capable mobile platformsaircraft and more specifically to a flight capable mobile platform, suchas a vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, adapted for covertdeployment and enhanced protection against hostile detection andaggression.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft are known. Suchknown tactical VTOL aircraft are generally quick and maneuverable rotaryblade aircraft, i.e. helicopters, that are used for airborne specialoperations. Being small and relatively quiet, and having a sufficientload to size ratio, these VTOL aircraft have provided a stable platformfor the special operations world. They are sufficiently suited forproviding a ‘ride to target’ and air support for ground troops.Technical evolution of such known VTOL aircraft has resulted in VTOLaircraft that can be used for ‘fast-rope’ insertions and/or be outfittedwith weapons such as mini .50 caliber machine guns, missiles, grenadelaunchers and aerial rockets. However, known tactical VTOL aircraft arestill range/payload constrained and need to be flown with hostile groundfire, ever maturing radar, infrared and acoustic based threats in mind.

A variety of methods have been employed to provide vertical takeoffcapability. These methods include providing ducts to redirect thedischarge from a main propulsion unit, providing a tilt mechanism topermit main engine(s) to tilt, and providing separate engines fordriving fan systems to lift the aircraft. Aircraft range and payloadcapabilities are reduced when weight and structural changes required toincorporate vertical takeoff capabilities are incorporated into anaircraft. For example, oversized axial propulsion will reduce cruiseefficiency. The complexity of an aircraft designed to accommodate bothhorizontal and VTOL capabilities also increases the maintenancerequirements on the aircraft and therefore increases the overall lifecycle costs to operate the aircraft.

Additionally, known VTOL aircraft must still be operated in view ofincreasingly dangerous risks. For example, detection/observation methodssuch as radar, infrared, acoustical, electromagnetic, contrails andvisual detection pose serious survivability threats to known VTOLaircraft. Acoustically, the rotors of typical VTOL aircraft generate astrong, broadband signature that is very distinctive making them veryvulnerable to acoustical detection. Untreated engine exhaust create aneasy target for shoulder launched heat seeking missiles and very littleradar cross section detection is possible. The maturation of detectionsensors and antiaircraft weapons has progressed to a point that aircrewsand passengers are at an ever increasing risk.

A need therefore exists for a VTOL aircraft with the characteristics ofaffordability, enhanced range/payload, high speed, and low vulnerabilityto hostile detection and threats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one preferred form, a flight capable mobile platform, suchas a vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, adapted for covertdeployment is provided. The mobile platform aircraft is additionallyadapted to have a reduced vulnerability to hostile detection andaggression. The mobile platform aircraft includes a fuselage having apair of sidewalls and a bottom. The sidewalls and bottom form an armoredpayload bay. The mobile platform aircraft additionally includes a pairof wings connected to the fuselage. The wings have a fixed wingspanconstructed such that the aircraft can be transported by a largeraircraft. This allows for the aircraft to be aerial deployed from thelarger aircraft. Each of the sidewalls include at least one pulseejector thrust augmentor (PETA) bank that is canted outward. Therefore,thrust exhaust produced by each PETA bank is directed down and away froma centerline of the payload bay. Furthermore, the bottom of the aircraftis adapted to allow ingress and egress of cargo, e.g. military troops,from the payload bay.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a pulsejetengine of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a group of pulsejets of FIG. 1 havingejectors wherein the ejectors are formed as augmentor cells of thepresent Invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a single augmentor cell of the presentinvention having the pulsejet structurally mounted to the augmentor cellstructure;

FIG. 4 is an alternate preferred embodiment of the present inventionhaving the pulsejet inlet diffuser and combustion chamber arrangedhorizontally and the discharge nozzle arranged vertically to dischargedownward into an ejector of the present Invention;

FIG. 5 Is a sectioned elevation view of a conventional pulsejet duringdetonation;

FIG. 6 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 5 further showingpressure waves closing a mechanical valve and providing dischargethrust;

FIG. 7 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 6 further showing thepartial opening of the mechanical valve and inflow of a fuel/air mixtureInto the combustion chamber;

FIG. 8 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 7 further showing a fullyopened mechanical valve and a fuel/air mixture compression cycle;

FIG. 9 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 8 further showing afuel/air mixture detonation following a collision between the fuel/airmixture with reflected backpressure waves from a previous detonation;

FIG. 10 is a sectioned elevation view of a preferred embodiment of apulsejet engine of the present Invention during a detonation cycle;

FIG. 11 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 10 further showing thedeflagration step following detonation wherein the air and fuel flow arechoked off by compression of boundary layer injection air flow by thepressure wave generated during the detonation phase;

FIG. 12 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 11 further showing theexpansion of a fuel/air fuel mixture into the combustion chamber of apulsejet engine of the present invention following thrust exhaust of thepreviously detonated air fuel mixture;

FIG. 13 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 12 further showing thefuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber colliding with reflectedpressure waves from the discharge nozzle of the pulsejet of the presentinvention prior to detonation of the air fuel mixture;

FIG. 14 is the sectioned elevation view of FIG. 3 further showing arotatable cowl at an inlet aperture of the pulsejet of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary aircraft of the presentinvention having both conventional main propulsion engines forhorizontal flight and multiple banks of pulsejet engines providing (orVTOL) capability;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of two banksof pulsejet engines separated by typical structure of an aircraft;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an individual bank of pulsejet enginesshowing the inlet and outlet cowls used to either isolate or control andtrim the pulsejet engines;

FIG. 18 is a plurality of elevation views of a VTOL aircraft of thepresent Invention during the vertical lift stages to achieve flight;

FIG. 19 is a plurality of elevation views similar to FIG. 18 showing aVTOL aircraft of the present Invention during the various stages of alanding procedure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment similar to theexemplary arrangement of FIG. 16 showing partial exemplary structure tointegrate the pulsejet banks into aircraft structures;

FIG. 21 is an end elevation view taken along section 22 of FIG. 20,looking forward;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing an exemplarytactical VTOL aircraft;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tactical VTOL aircraft shown inFIG. 23, taken along the line A-A; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a pair of pulsejet ejector thrustaugmentor banks incorporated in the VTOL aircraft shown in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pulsejet engine 10 is shown. The pulsejet engine10 includes a body 12 having an inlet end 14 and an exhaust end 16.Propulsion thrust from the pulsejet engine 10 discharges from theexhaust end 16 in a propulsion exhaust direction A. Air, normally atatmospheric pressure, enters the inlet end 14. The air mixes with a fuel(discussed in reference to FIG. 11) which is detonated to produce thrustto propel a platform (not shown) in a platform travel direction B. Inthe exemplary preferred embodiment shown, both the airflow and theburned fuel/air mixture travel in the propulsion exhaust direction Aapproximately parallel with a pulsejet engine longitudinal centerline C.In one preferred embodiment, pulsejet engine 10 is constructed of amaterial, for example steel or titanium, that is highly resistive tothermal stresses and penetration by high velocity flying objects, suchas hostile ground fire and flying debris.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary pulsejet bank 18 is shown. Eachpulsejet bank 18 includes a plurality of pulsejets 20. Each of thepulsejets 20 is structurally attached to a side panel 22. An opposed,second side panel has been removed from the view of FIG. 2 for clarity.The side panel 22 is curved to entrain and direct air together with thepulsejet exhaust to maximize thrust from each of the pulsejets 20 in thethrust direction D shown. A plurality of end plates 24 are connectablyattached to the side panel 22 adjacent to each of the pulsejets 20. Eachof the end plates 24 has a plurality of apertures 26 therethrough. Theapertures 26 permit equalization of flow between each of the pulsejets20 exhaust flows such that any of the pulsejets 20 within the pulsejetbank 18, which operate above or below a nominal operating condition, areequalized with the remaining pulsejets 20 of the pulsejet bank 18. Airenters each of the pulsejets 20 through a pulsejet inlet 28. The exhaustgas producing thrust from each of the pulsejets 20 is discharged from apulsejet exhaust 30 in the thrust direction D. Each adjacent pair of endplates 24 connectably joined to opposed side panels 22 form each of aplurality of augmentor cells 32. Only one side panel 22 is shown in FIG.2 for clarity. Fuel is supplied to each of the pulsejets 20 through afuel injection system (shown and discussed with reference to FIG. 10).In one preferred embodiment, side panels 22 are constructed of amaterial, for example steel or titanium, that is highly resistive topenetration by high velocity flying objects, such as hostile ground fireand flying debris.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary pulsejet bay 34 is detailed. Eachpulsejet bay 34 includes one augmentor cell 32 and one pulsejet 20. Eachpulsejet 20 includes an inlet diffuser 36, a tuned section as acombustion chamber 38, and a discharge nozzle 40. A plurality ofinterfairing 42 join each pulsejet 20 with one or both of the sidepanels 22 and with one or more of the end plate 24 to form a unitaryload bearing structure. One side panel 22 and a portion of oneinterfairing 42 have been removed from view in FIG. 3 for clarity.Although the interfairings 42 are shown to extend along the entirelength of the pulsejet 20, the interfairing can extend along a portionof each pulsejet 20 without altering the scope of the invention. Theinterfairings 42 serve to uniformly distribute the flow longitudinallyalong the augmentor cell 32 while providing structural support throughthe side panels 22 and the end plates 24. In another preferredembodiment, a plurality of webs or intercostals (not shown) join eachpulsejet 20 with one or both of the sidewalls 22. Discharge from each ofthe pulsejets 20 is in the thrust direction D as shown. A portion of thedischarge from the pulsejet 20 exits through each of the plurality ofapertures 26 in an ejector cross flow direction E. Air enters the inletdiffuser 36 in the air inlet flow direction F. The inlet diffuser 36 isconnectably joined to the combustion chamber 38 and the combustionchamber 38 is connectably joined to the discharge nozzle 40. In stillanother preferred embodiment, each of the augmentor cells 32 can also beprovided as an integral unit formed from a single piece of material.

Referring to FIG. 4, the inlet diffuser 36 and the combustion chamber 38are co-aligned on a horizontal axis G. A bend 44 connectably joins thecombustion chamber 38 to the discharge nozzle 40. The discharge nozzle40 is aligned along a vertical axis H. The discharge nozzle 40discharges in the thrust direction D into the augmentor cell 32. Thedischarge nozzle 40 preferably includes an axi-symmetric/circular shapeattached to the side panels 22 through structural webbing (not shown).This permits the inlet for the pulsejet to be aligned horizontally whilethe discharge is aligned vertically providing additional flexibility inthe arrangement of the pulsejets. A perpendicular alignment between theinlet and the discharge of the pulsejet are shown, however, any anglecan be used to suit arrangement constraints as is reasonable for properpulsejet 20 operation.

FIGS. 5 through 9 depict a complete operating cycle for a pulsejetengine known in the art. Referring to FIG. 5, a pulsejet 50 known in theart is detailed. The pulsejet 50 includes an inlet diffuser 52 whichreceives air in an inlet flow direction J. An exhaust nozzle 54discharges flow from the pulsejet 50 in an exhaust flow direction K. Amechanical valve 56 is included in the inlet diffuser 52 to prevent abackflow of detonated gas from back flowing into the inlet diffuser 52.In FIG. 5, a detonation stage of a fuel/air mixture 58 in a combustionchamber 60 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 6, after the fuel/air mixture 58 of FIG. 5 detonatesin the combustion chamber 60, a plurality of reverse pressure waves 62are generated in a deflagration stage. The reverse pressure waves 62 andthe resultant combustion gas travel toward the inlet diffuser 52 andcause the mechanical valve 56 to close preventing flow of the gasthrough the inlet diffuser 52. A plurality of forward pressure waves 64is also generated during the deflagration stage. The forward pressurewaves 64 and combustion gas travel in the direction of the exhaustnozzle 54 generating thrust from the pulsejet.

Referring to FIG. 7, after a majority of the combustion gas exhauststhrough the exhaust nozzle 54, the pressure in the combustion chamber 60reduces and the pressure of the air supply at the inlet diffuser 52opens the mechanical valve 56. As the mechanical valve 56 opens, a newsupply of air and fuel enters the combustion chamber 60. A plurality ofair expansion pressure waves 66 lead a fuel/air mixture 68 into thecombustion chamber 60.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a compression stage compression of the fuel/airmixture 68 begins to occur in the combustion chamber 60. The mechanicalvalve 56 is fully open allowing air flow through the inlet diffuser 52in the inlet flow direction J. A plurality of high temperature dischargenozzle backpressure waves 70 reflect from the exhaust nozzle 54. Thedischarge nozzle backpressure wave 70 temperature is approximately 1,500degrees Fahrenheit (815° C.). The discharge nozzle backpressure waves 70travel in the nozzle backpressure direction L. When the discharge nozzlebackpressure waves 70 contact the fuel/air mixture 68 the fuel/airmixture 68 initially compresses in the combustion chamber 60.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the high temperature discharge nozzlebackpressure waves 70 contact the fuel/air mixture 68 (shown in FIG. 8),and the fuel/air mixture 68 temperature rises to its ignitiontemperature, a detonation of the fuel/air mixture 68 occurs in thecombustion chamber 60. The fuel/air mixture 68 detonates at a fuel/airdetonation point 72 and a new cycle for the pulsejet 50 begins. Thedetonation, exhaust, compression and new detonation cycle occurs rapidlyin the pulsejet engine, e.g. approximately 60 to 100 cycles per secondas is known in the art. Fuel is either continuously pressurized and fedby a fuel injection system (shown and discussed in reference to FIG.10), or is pulse pressurized to enter at the optimum time of each engineoperating cycle. Detonation is normally initiated and can also becontrolled using a detonation device (not shown) such as a spark plug.

FIGS. 10 through 13 show a single cycle of operation of a pulsejetapplied in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a pulsejet 100includes an inlet diffuser 102 connected to an upstream inlet port 104of a combustion chamber 106. The combustion chamber 106 is enveloped bya boundary layer air plenum 108. The boundary layer air plenum 108provides a plurality of side injection boundary layer air ports 110,(designated as exemplary boundary layer air ports 110′, 110″, and 110″′)for introduction of a boundary layer air supply (not shown) through atleast one supply line 112. The source for boundary layer air can includecompressed air, oxygen generating candies, or bleed air. Boundary layerair enters the combustion chamber 106 through a plurality of apertures114 in a body section 118 (shown in an exemplary conical shape) of thecombustion chamber 106. The apertures 114 in the body section 116 canhave the same aperture size or can increase or decrease in size, asviewed in FIG. 10, from right to left as the apertures 114 arepositioned along the body section 116. The body section 116 and thecombustion chamber 106 can also be provided in other geometric shapes.One or more boundary layer air ports 110 can be used.

The combustion chamber 106 tapers down and connects to a dischargenozzle 118 at a downstream exit port 120. A fuel supply (not shown) isfed or injected into the inlet diffuser 102 upstream of the upstreaminlet port 104 through one or more fuel supply lines 122. Fuel supplylines 122 can also enter the combustion chamber 106, or divide betweenboth the upstream inlet port 104 and the combustion chamber 106. Adetonation stage is depicted in FIG. 10. A fuel and air mixturedetonates in the combustion chamber 106 at a fuel/air detonation point124.

Referring to FIG. 11, following the detonation stage shown in FIG. 10, adeflagration stage of the pulsejet 100 is shown. A fuel/air deflagrationmixture 126 is shown. As the fuel/air mixture continues to burn andexpand beyond the fuel/air deflagration mixture 126, a plurality ofreverse pressure waves 128 form. The reverse pressure waves 128 travelin the reverse pressure wave direction M toward the inlet diffuser 102(shown in FIG. 10). A plurality of forward pressure waves 130 also form.The forward pressure waves 130 travel in the thrust direction N into thedischarge nozzle 118. The reverse pressure waves 128 contact an enteringboundary layer air volume 132 and compress the boundary layer air volume132 in the direction of the inlet diffuser 102.

A fresh air stream 134 combines with fuel supplied through the fuelsupply line 122 (shown in FIG. 10) to form a fuel/air mixture 136. Theboundary layer air: volume 132 contacts the fuel/air mixture 136 and achoke point 138 is formed. At the choke point 138, the pressure of thenow compressed boundary layer air volume 132 equals or exceeds thepressure of the fresh air stream 134 and further flow of the fresh airstream 134 into the combustion chamber 106 is temporarily blocked. Thepressure of the boundary layer air volume 132 driven by the reversepressure waves 128 also exceeds the pressure of the fuel injectionsystem (not shown) at the fuel supply line 122, or, a sensor of the fuelinjection system signals a fuel cut-off therefore preventing input offuel during the deflagration stage.

High pressure within the combustion chamber 106 still exists at thestage where the choke point 138 is created. The pressure in thecombustion chamber 106 is relieved as thrust in the thrust direction Nas the forward pressure waves 130 travel toward the discharge nozzle118. The high pressure of the reverse pressure waves 128 force more andmore of the boundary layer air flow injected through the boundary layerair plenum 108 (shown In FIG. 10) away from the discharge nozzle facingend of the boundary layer air plenum 108 towards the inlet diffuserfacing end boundary layer air flow is constricted to flow through anincreasingly smaller injection area which causes the velocity andsubsequent penetration of the boundary layer air flow into the fresh airstream 134 to increase. In effect, this creates a pneumatic throat orventuri which not only chokes the fresh air stream 134 from entering thepulsejet 100, but also prevents combustion by-products from exiting theengine via the inlet diffuser 102. The choke point 138 location isdetermined in part by the shape of the body section 116 of thecombustion chamber 108, and by the pressure of the reverse pressurewaves 128.

Referring now to FIG. 12, during an expansion stage the deflagrationpressure and its effect on the boundary layer air volume 132 is reducedby thrust discharge through the discharge nozzle 118 and back reflectionof the reverse pressure waves 128 from the choke point 138 (identifiedin FIG. 11). The reverse pressure waves 128, traveling in the directionP, encounter the choked flow, reflect and travel in the direction ofexpansion direction arrows O. This reflection, together with the forwardpressure waves 130 exiting the combustion chamber 106, create adiffusion process which subsequently decreases the pressure in thecombustion chamber 106. The pressure differential between the fuel/airmixture 136 and the pressure in the combustion chamber 106 causes thefuel/air mixture 136 to flow again into the combustion chamber 106 inthe direction of expansion arrows O.

The reduced pressure in the combustion chamber 106 allows the boundarylayer air volume 132 redistribute itself throughout the boundary layerair plenum 106 (described in reference to FIG. 10) and the combustionchamber 106 from the boundary layer air ports 110. As the boundary layerair flow is redistributed, it is allowed to pass through an everincreasing passage porosity (i.e., the injection area increases). Withconstant injection pressure and airflow, an increased area necessitateslower velocity injection due to fundamental gas laws. A loweredcombustion chamber pressure and increased fresh air charge also helpguide the boundary layer air flow to the outer combustor walls of thebody section 116. This serves to partially cool and isolate the hotcombustor section from the inlet and also stabilizes subsequentcombustion processes by focusing the combustion processes toward thefuel/air detonation point 124 (shown in FIG. 10). In this expansionstage, the forward pressure waves 130 have reached the discharge nozzle118. A plurality of discharge nozzle back-pressure waves 140 in the formof rarefaction waves begin to form in this stage. The discharge nozzleback-pressure waves 140 create a sub-ambient expansion which partiallyinduces ejector airflow and combustion by-products from the last cycleinto the discharge nozzle 118. The discharge nozzle back-pressure waves140 also travel in the direction P.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in a compression stage the fuel/air mixture136 traveling in an fuel/air flow direction 0 begins to contact thedischarge nozzle back-pressure waves 140. The fuel/air mixture 136begins to compress in the combustion chamber 106. A stabilizing volumeof the previously expanded boundary layer air volume 132 is shown as itcompresses along the perimeter of the combustion chamber 106. Thecompression stage shown in FIG. 13 shows the plurality of dischargenozzle back-pressure waves 140 immediately before detonation of thefuel/air mixture 136 similar to the detonation shown in FIG. 10.Detonation begins a new cycle for the pulsejet

Referring back to FIG. 12, the combustion chamber 106 includes a tapersection 142. The taper section 142 ends at a taper distal end 144 whichis the connecting point for the discharge nozzle 118. The geometry ofthe taper section 142 also helps provide the constriction of the outflowing gases and the generation of the discharge nozzle back-pressurewaves 140.

Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary pulsejet bay 146 as applied in thepresent invention is shown. An upper aperture 148 of the pulsejet bay146 can be partially or completely closed by an upper cowl 150. In theexemplary embodiment shown, the upper cowl 150 is mounted to thepulsejet bay 146 by a hinge 152 or similar mechanical element. The uppercowl 150 rotates along an arc R about a hinge center-line S to a closedposition. The upper cowl 150 is controlled by a control system (notshown). Air inlet flow to the pulsejet 100 in the pulsejet bay 146 canbe controlled by the single upper cowl 150 shown or by two or more cowls(not shown) similar to the upper cowl 150. Lower cowls 153 can beprovided at the bottom aperture 148 of each of the pulsejet bays 146 tocontrol the thrust produced in each pulsejet bay 146. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the upper cowl 150 is provided as a flexiblemember, which rolls out from a reel (not shown), which replaces thehinge 152 to the closed, phantom position shown.

Referring to FIG. 15, an exemplary VTOL aircraft 210 according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The VTOLaircraft 210 structurally includes a fuselage, or body, 212 and a pairof flight wings 214. To provide VTOL capability, a plurality ofpulsejet/ejector banks are provided. A pair of pulsejet/ejector aftbanks 216 and a pulsejet/ejector forward bank 220 are provided. Each ofthe pulsejet/ejector aft banks 216 and the pulsejet/ejector forward bank220 include a plurality of pulsejet engines 218.

The pulsejet/ejector aft banks 216 and the pulsejet/ejector forward bank220 provide vertical takeoff capability in the vertical lift directionT. In order to provide horizontal or axial flight capability for theVTOL aircraft 210, a pair of main flight engines 222 are shown, as knownin the art. The main flight engines 222 provide for axial flight of theVTOL aircraft 210 in an axial flight direction U.

The pulsejet/ejector aft banks 216 are provided in an aft compartment224 of the VTOL aircraft 210. The structure supporting each of thepulsejet engines 218 is integrated into the aft compartment 224 suchthat structural loads of the VTOL aircraft in the aft compartment 224area are at least partially supported by the pulsejet/ejector aft banks216. Similarly, structure of the pulsejet/ejector forward bank 220 isintegrated into the VTOL aircraft 210 in a forward compartment 226. Thevertical thrust generated by each of the pulsejet/ejector aft banks 216and the pulsejet/ejector forward bank 220 is centered about a VTOLaircraft 210 center of gravity 228. By centering the pulsejet banksabout the center of gravity 228, individual pulsejet engines 218 cart bethrottled to affect the attitude of the VTOL aircraft 210 during takeoffand landing procedures.

Referring now to FIG. 16, another preferred embodiment forpulsejet/ejector banks of the present invention is shown. Thepulsejet/ejector bank 230 includes a pulsejet/ejector port bank 232 anda pulsejet/ejector starboard bank 234, respectively. One or moreinterior compartment bays 236 are provided between both thepulsejet/ejector port bank 232 and the pulsejet/ejector starboard bank234, The interior compartment bay(s) 236 can be used for a variety ofaircraft purposes, including stowage, fuel stowage. In one preferredembodiment a single compartment bay 236, i.e. payload bay, is providedthat is used to carry personnel, such as military troops.

Each pulsejet 238 includes an inlet diffuser 240 wherein ambient air isdrawn into the pulsejet 238, and an exhaust nozzle 242 where exhaustgases generating vertical thrust by each of the pulsejets 238 discharge.Forward thrust is provided by the main flight engines 222 (shown in FIG.15) to provide thrust to propel the VTOL aircraft 210 in the aircraftforward direction V. Ambient air enters each of the pulsejets 238 in theair inlet direction W. Exhaust gases generating vertical thrust by eachof the pulsejets 238 discharges from the pulsejets 238 in the thrustdirection X. In the exemplary arrangement shown by FIG. 16, both thepulsejet/ejector port bank 232 and the pulsejet/ejector starboard bank234 are approximately equally spaced about an aircraft longitudinalcenterline Y.

Referring to FIG. 17, the pulsejet/ejector port bank 232 of FIG. 16 isshown in greater detail. An inlet cowl 244 is partially shown in aclosed position isolating augmentor bays 245. The inlet cowl 244 isshown as a unitary cowl capable of isolating all of the pulsejets of thepulsejet/ejector port bank 232. The inlet cowl 244 can also be providedas individual cowls isolating each of the augmentor bays 245individually.

A pair of exhaust cowls 246 are joined to the pulsejet/ejector port bank232 at each of a plurality of augmentor bay exhaust ports 247. The pairof exhaust cowls 246 are rotatably attached to the structure of thepulsejet/ejector port bank 232 and operate from a fully open to a fullyclosed position for the augmentor bay exhaust ports 247. By rotating oneor both of the exhaust cowls 246, or modifying the fuel supply,discharge thrust from the pulsejets in the pulsejet/ejector port bank232 can be controlled. Similar to the inlet cowl 244, the exhaust cowls246 can also be completely shut to provide isolation of one or all ofthe augmentor bays 245. The exhaust cowls 246 can also be provided,similar to the inlet cowl 244, as individual cowls (not shown) isolatingeach of the augmentor bay exhaust ports 247, or an intermediate numberof cowls isolating 2 or more bays (not shown). Depending upon thesimplicity of the design desired, either or both the inlet cowl 244 andthe exhaust cowls 246 can be eliminated to reduce complexity and weightof the pulsejet bank.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the individual operating stages of a VTOLaircraft of the present invention are shown. In a ready step 248, a bankof pulsejet engines in a pulsejet ejector thrust augmentor (PETA) bankare idle. The PETA engines are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/245,519 commonly assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, and entitled, “Pulsejet Ejector Thrust Augmentor”,filed Sep. 16, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in it's entirety. The main propulsion turbine enginesare also idle. In a vertical lifting step 250, the PETA banks powerlevel are increased to approximately 90%. The main propulsion engine(s)power is increased to approximately 30%. Initial vertical lift of theaircraft begins at this stage as well as horizontal motion. In a forwardengine initiation step 252, PETA power is increased to full 100% powerand the main propulsion engine(s) power is increased to approximately60%. The aircraft pitches nose down and the PETA power assists inaccelerating the aircraft. In a transitioning step 254, the PETA powerdecreases in a range between approximately 100% to 50% power. Thepulsejet engines are slowly throttled down during this step and the mainpropulsion engine(s) power is increased to 100% to transition tohorizontal flight. As the aircraft transitions, the nose is pitched upand the wings begin to generate lift. In an acceleration step 256, thePETA engines are reduced in power to approximately 30% and the mainpropulsion engine power is maintained at 100%. Aircraft accelerationcontinues and the pulsejet engine power is significantly reduced as theaircraft approaches its nominal flight speed. At this point, the fullweight of the aircraft is supported by its wings. In a cruise step 258,normal horizontal flight of the aircraft is achieved. The banks of PETAengines are shut down during this stage and the inlets to the PETAengines are isolated. Main propulsion turbine engines are throttled asrequired during this final stage where normal aircraft cruising speedhas been achieved. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 18, anexemplary time of about 60 seconds elapses between the ready step 248and the cruise step 258.

Referring now to FIG. 19, in a cruise step 260, similar to the cruisestep 258 shown in FIG. 18, the PETA engines are in their stowed andpowered down conditions and the main propulsion engines of the aircraftare in their normal cruise condition. In an initiating step 262, thePETA engines are initiated and the aircraft is maneuvered into a descentorientation. In a descent step 264, aircraft speed is reduced byreducing the main propulsion engine power from 100% to approximately 50%while increasing the PETA engine power up to approximately 60%. In astalling step 266, the aircraft is positioned to stall the wings of theaircraft. The main propulsion engine power is further decreased toapproximately 30% and the PETA engines are throttled up to provide justbelow a climbing power. In a hovering step 268, the PETA engines arejust below 100% operating power (just below climbing power) and theaircraft is in a brief hover mode. Main propulsion engine power isretained at about 30% power during this stage to provide minimum forwardthrust of the aircraft. In a (ending step 270, the aircraft has landedand the PETA's engines are idled and the main propulsion engines areshut down. Any cowls on the PETA engines are isolated at this time. Inthe exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 19 for a landing procedure, anexemplary time of approximately 90 seconds elapses to bring the aircraftfrom an altitude of approximately 200 feet to a landing position.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, in yet another preferred embodiment, apulsejet/ejector port bank 288 and a pulsejet/ejector starboard bank 290are structurally integrated within sidewalls 291 a and 291 b of theaircraft structure. A port inner side panel 292 of the port bank 288 anda starboard inner side panel 294 of the starboard bank 290 form theexterior walls of an interior payload bay 296. A port outer side panel298 of port bank 288 and a starboard outer side panel 300 of thestarboard bank 290 are connected by a plurality of apertured dividerplates 302. The apertured divider plates 302 also provide structuralrigidity for the assembly. Each of the pulsejets 304 are structurallyattached at least one of the inner walls 292 and 294 or the outer walls298 and 300 using one of a plurality of interfairings 306 provided foreach pulsejet 304.

By including the structure of the pulsejet/ejector bank 286 into thestructure of sidewall 291 a and 291 b, separate engine support structurewhich is normally used to support main flight engines, such as the mainflight engines 222 shown in FIG. 15, is not required. Insulation layers308 can also be incorporated in the structure of the pulsejet/ejectorbank 286 such that pulsejet acoustic levels can be attenuated. Storagecompartments 310 can be integrated. A wing structure 312 can also beincorporated into the pulsejet/ejector bank 286 allowing thepulsejet/ejector bank 286 to be totally enclosed within the fuselage ofthe aircraft. This reduces the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft andpermits the aircraft to achieve supersonic flight (if desirable).

Referring now to FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is shown illustrating a VTOL aircraft 316 adaptedfor tactical military use. That is, VTOL 316 is adapted for covertdeployment and low vulnerability to hostile detection and aggression.Similar to the embodiment described in reference to FIGS. 20 and 21,VTOL aircraft 316 integrates a port pulsejet ejector thrust augmentor(PETA) bank 318 and a starboard PETA bank 320 into the structure of afuselage 322 of the VTOL 316. More specifically, port PETA bank 318 anda starboard PETA bank 320 are integrated into the structure of a portsidewall 324 and a starboard sidewall 326, respectively. The fuselage322 includes the port and starboard sidewalls 324 and 326, a top 328 anda bottom 330 that form a payload bay 332. Payload bay 332 is suitablefor carrying various cargo such as troops, supplies, and/or weapons. Asdescribed below, payload bay 332 is an armored payload bay that providesa great deal of protection for the cargo/troops therewithin. VTOLaircraft 316 additionally includes a pair of wings 334 and 336. In apreferred embodiment the wings 334 and 336 have a fixed length adaptedso that VTOL aircraft 316 will fit inside a cargo bay of a largeraircraft (not shown). More specifically the wingspan of the wings 334and 336 is constrained so that the VTOL aircraft 316 can fit into thepayload bay of a larger aircraft, such as a military C-17 transport,without the use of wing folds. Therefore, VTOL aircraft 316 can betransported within, and aerially deployed from the larger aircraft.

In a preferred alternate embodiment the wings 334 and 336 are adapted tofold so that the wings 334 and 336 can have a greater length to enablethe VTOL aircraft 316 to have a much increased payload and range. Inthis embodiment, the wings 334 and 336 would be collapsed, or folded, sothat the VTOL aircraft 316 can fit into the payload bay of a largeraircraft, e.g. a C-17 transport. The VTOL aircraft 316 can then betransported to a remote ground location, removed form the largeraircraft, and deployed from the remote ground location.

By incorporating the PETA banks 318 and 320 into the sidewalls 324 and326, each of the sidewalls 324 and 326 provide a plurality of layers ofprotection for payload bay 332. These protective layers greatly reducethe vulnerability of flying objects, such as ground fire, frominfiltrating payload bay 332. Thus, VTOL 316 provides considerableprotection to troops or other cargo within payload bay 332. To providethese layers of protection, any or all of the structural components ofthe sidewalls 324 and 326 are constructed of materials that areresistive to penetration by high velocity flying objects, such ashostile ground fire and flying debris. In one preferred embodiment, eachof the sidewalls 324 and 326 includes an outer skin 340 constructed of aprotective material such as aluminum or a penetration resistivecomposite, e.g. Kevlar® or fiberglass, that provides a layer ofprotection. Each of the sidewalls 324 and 326 additionally includes astorage compartment 342 used to store such things as field equipment,supplies and fuel, thereby providing a layer of protection.

The PETA banks 318 and 320 are structurally integrated into sidewalls324 and 326, respectively. Each of the PETA banks 318 and 320 include anouter side panel 344 that is constructed of a penetration resistivematerial, such as aluminum, steel, Kevlar® or titanium that provides alayer of protection for the payload bay 332. Each of the PETA banks 318and 320 additionally includes a plurality of augmentor cells 346 thateach include a pulsejet 348. In this embodiment, the pulsejets areconstructed of a material such as steel or titanium to thereby provide alayer of protection from high velocity flying objects infiltrating thepayload bay 332. Furthermore, each of the PETA banks 318 and 320includes an inner side panel 350 constructed of a material such asaluminum, steel, Kevlar® or titanium that provide a layer of protection.

Each of the sidewalls 324 and 326 further includes a layer of insulation352 adapted to attenuate acoustic levels of the PETA banks 318 and 320.The insulation layer 352 can include any suitable insulation such asfoam or a honeycomb core. Each layer of insulation 352 additionallyprovides payload bay 332 with a layer of protection from infiltration byhigh velocity flying objects. Further yet, each of the sidewalls 324 and326 includes a payload bay panel 354 that form the walls of the payloadbay 332. Each of the payload bay panels 354 is constructed of a materialsuch as aluminum, steel, Kevlar® or titanium to provide yet anotherlayer of protection for the payload bay 332. In addition to thesidewalls 324 and 326 providing a plurality of layers of protection forthe payload bay 332, the payload bay bottom 330 is armored to protectpayload bay 332. That is, the bottom 330 is constructed of a materialsuch as steel, Kevlar® or titanium to also protect payload bay 332 frominfiltration by high velocity flying objects. Although each of the oflayers of protection included in the sidewalls 324 and 326, and thebottom 330 have been described as being constructed of a single suitablematerials, it is envisioned that each layer and the bottom 330 can alsobe constructed to include more than one material. For example, any orall the layers of protection and the bottom 330 could be constructedhaving a core of one particular material that is plated with secondmaterial to thereby form a penetration resistant layer of protection forthe payload bay 332.

The payload bay bottom 330 further includes a passage means that allowsfor the ingress and egress of cargo from the payload bay 332. Forexample, the payload bay 330 can include at least one bay door(illustrated in phantom in FIG. 23) that allows troops to ‘fast rope’,i.e. repel, down to a landing zone while the VTOL aircraft 316 hoversover the landing zone. The bay door(s) could also be utilized to allowtroops to enter the payload bay 332 in necessary circumstances. Asanother example of a passage means, the payload bay bottom 330 couldinclude or at least one ‘man-hole’ that provides a passage for theingress and egress of troops or other cargo.

In one preferred embodiment, the PETA banks 318 and 320 are cantedoutward such that thrust exhausts produced by each of the PETA banks 318and 320 are respectively directed in exhaust directions E and E′ thatare down and away from a centerline C of the payload bay 332. Bydirecting the thrust exhausts of the PETA banks 318 and 320 in thedirections E and E′, troops can ‘fast rope’ down from an airborne VTOLaircraft 316 with minimal interaction with the hot thrust exhausts. Inanother preferred embodiment, the sidewalls 324 and 326 are constructedsuch that the outer skins 340 are canted outward. Canting the outerskins 340 reduces vulnerability to glancing high velocity flyingobjects, e.g. ground fire, that will tend to be deflected away from thefuselage 322 and the payload bay 332. In a preferred embodiment, theouter skins 340 are canted approximately 15° to 45°.

The VTOL aircraft 316 is further adapted to reduce vulnerability to adangerous detection, i.e. observation, methods and threats, such asradar, infrared, acoustical, electromagnetic, and visual detection,which pose serious survivability threats to VTOL aircraft 316.Generally, any break of distinct feature of the exterior surface of theVTOL aircraft 316 incorporates long and aligned edges to reduce radarcross section (RCS) returns and spikes. For example, the fuselage 322and wings 334 and 336 of the VTOL aircraft 316 incorporate long andaligned edges to reduce radar cross section (RCS) returns and spikes. Asa further example, an edge 356 a is aligned with an edge 356 b, an edge358 a is aligned with an edge 358 b, and the edge 356 a is aligned withthe edge 358 b, thereby producing thin RCS returns and spike management.Additionally the canted outer skins 342 of the sidewalls 324 and 326reduce side sector returns by deflecting the radar signals so thatdirect returns do not occur. It is envisioned that other outer surfacesof the VTOL aircraft 316 can also be canted to further reduce RCSreturns. The VTOL aircraft 316 includes at least one main cruise engine360 that is entirely enclosed within the fuselage 322. By enclosing themain cruise engine(s) 360 within the fuselage 322, massive RCS returnsgenerated by known external cruise engines is significantly reduced orsubstantially eliminated.

Reduction of infrared (IR) detection is important in defeating eithersurface or air launched heat seeking missiles. Enclosing the cruiseengine(s) 360 within the fuselage 322 reduces vulnerability to IRdetection. Additionally, VTOL aircraft 316 includes a lower aft deck362. The exhausts from the cruise engine(s) 360 flows over the lower aftdeck 362 and into the ambient airstreams. Thus, the lower aft deckvisually blocks the exhaust from view from below the VTOL aircraft 316and also mixes the exhaust with ambient air to cool the exhaust, therebyreducing IR detection of the hot exhausts. Furthermore, the cruiseengine(s) 360 include high efficiency, high bypass turbofans that coolthe exhaust from the cruise engine(s) 360 to further reduce thevulnerability to IR detection.

Acoustical threats include far field acoustic signatures that allowhostile forces to vector resources to intercept an aircraft and nearfield noise associated with takeoff and landing of aircraft. With themain cruise engine(s) 360 being enclosed with the fuselage 322 andincluding high bypass turbofans, the VTOL aircraft 316 has a greatlyreduced vulnerability to far field acoustical detection. As describedabove, the VTOL aircraft 316 utilizes the pulsejet engines for verticalpropulsion. The pulsejets 348 characteristically produce noise having agenerally narrow bandwidth in comparison to the extremely broadbandwidth of noise produced by helicopter rotors. Additionally,increasing the size of the pulsejets 348 further narrows the bandwidthof noise produced during operation. Furthermore, the acoustic signatureof each of the PETA banks 318 and 320 is further suppressed by at leastone absorber, generally illustrated at 364, included in each augmentorcell 366. The absorbers 364 are adapted to further narrow the bandwidthof the noise produced by PETA banks 318 and 320. Each absorber 364 canbe an active or passive acoustic barrier, device or abatement materialspecifically selected to reduce or substantially mute noise within adesired bandwidth. Thus, the level of noise within a desired bandwidthcan be reduced or muted based on the type of absorber 364 implemented inthe PETA banks 318 and 320.

Threats of visual detection generally target contrail detection andoptical detection. The VTOL aircraft 316 can be adapted to incorporate aplurality of known methods to reduce contrail detection. For example,contrail detection can be reduced by destroying nucleation sites thatcreate contrails or enlarging the nucleation sites so that rain isformed instead of ice. Since contrails are formed when the nucleationsites form into ice, enlarging the nucleation sites to form rain willsignificantly reduce or substantially eliminate the contrails. To reducethe treat of optical detection, the fuselage 322 and wings 334 and 336incorporate a camouflage scheme. For example, the outer surfaces of thefuselage 322 and wings 334 and 336 can be painted or covered withmaterial having a camouflage scheme. The camouflage scheme reducesnoticeable contrast variations of the VTOL aircraft 316 with asurrounding environment. Therefore, the VTOL aircraft 316 will opticallyblend with the surrounding environment, e.g. the sky. Additionally, theoverall shape of the VTOL aircraft 316 is designed to have a simple,non-complex silhouette that further reduces vulnerability to visualdetection. Furthermore, the VTOL aircraft is designed such that thenumber of surfaces that may produce visual glints is minimized.

In one preferred embodiment, the outer skins 340 of the sidewalls 324and 326 are removable panels that can be interchangeably replaced withany one of a plurality of task specific panels. The task specific panelscan have mounted thereon various different task items, includingmissiles, torpedoes, sonobuoys, rockets, radar, etc. The task specificpanels are interchangeable between individual flights of the VTOLaircraft 316. Control equipment, energy sources, such as batteries, andmechanical connecting equipment are further examples of equipment whichcan be mounted on the task specific panels. Each task specific paneltherefore acts as a standalone module. Different types of equipment canalso be loaded on opposite panels of the VTOL aircraft 316. Furthermore,the task specific panels are structurally integrated into each of thesidewalls 324 and 326 such that a portion of the load imparted by thetask devices as well as the panel itself are integrated into thestructure of the fuselage 322.

Thus, the VTOL aircraft 316 is a tactical VTOL aircraft that providesenhance protection for troops or cargo by greatly reducing thevulnerability of the aircraft to hostile detection and aggression.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A flight capable mobile platform, said mobile platform comprising: afuselage adapted to form an armored payload bay including a portionadapted to allow at least one of ingress and egress of cargo into, orfrom, the payload bay, the fuselage being constructed to reduce thevulnerability of cargo in the armored payload bay to hostile detectionof and aggression; a pair of wings connected to the fuselage; and apulse ejector thrust augmentor (PETA) bank disposed within the fuselage,the PETA bank including a Plurality of interconnected pulsejets andoriented such that a thrust exhaust produced by the bank is directeddownwardly and laterally outward from a centerline of the payload bay.2. The mobile platform of claim 1, wherein the fight capable mobileplatform comprises a vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. 3.The mobile platform of claim 1, wherein the wings comprise anon-alterable wingspan such that the mobile platform can be transportedby and deployed from the second mobile platform when the second mobileplatform is airborne.
 4. The mobile platform of claim 1, wherein thewings are adapted to be moved between a first position and a secondposition such that the mobile platform forms a reduced cross sectionalfootprint with the wings in the second position.
 5. The mobile platformof claim 1, wherein the fuselage comprises a pair of sidewall includinga plurality of layers adapted to provide an interior area of the payloadbay protection from infiltration by flying objects.
 6. The mobileplatform of claim 5, wherein the plurality of layers include an outerskin of each sidewall.
 7. The mobile platform of claim 5, wherein theplurality of layers include an integral storage compartment formed ineach sidewall.
 8. The mobile platform of claim 5, wherein the pluralityof layers include an outer side panel of the PETA bank.
 9. The mobileplatform of claim 5, wherein the plurality of layers include a pluralityof pulsejet engines included in the PETA bank.
 10. The mobile platformof claim 5, wherein the plurality of layers include an inner side panelof the PETA bank.
 11. The mobile platform of claim 5, wherein theplurality of layers include a layer of acoustical insulation included ineach sidewall.
 12. The mobile platform of claim 5, wherein the pluralityof layers include a payload bay panel included in each sidewall.
 13. Themobile platform of claim 5, wherein an exterior surface of each sidewallis adapted to be canted to reduce radar cross section side sectorreturns.
 14. The mobile platform of claim 1, wherein the fuselageincludes long, aligned edges adapted to reduce radar cross sectionreturns.
 15. The mobile platform of claim 1, further comprising a cruisepropulsion system disposed within an interior portion of the fuselage toreduce radar cross section returns and acoustical detection.
 16. Themobile platform of claim 15, wherein the cruise propulsion systemincludes a high efficiency, high bypass turbofan adapted to cool anexhaust from the cruise propulsion system to reduce infrared detection.17. The mobile platform of claim 1, wherein the fuselage includes alower aft deck adapted to reduce infrared detection.
 18. The mobileplatform of claim 1, wherein the PETA bank includes at least oneabsorber adapted to narrow an acoustical bandwidth of noise generated bythe PETA bank and thereby reduce acoustical detection.
 19. The mobileplatform of claim 1, wherein the fuselage and wings include a camouflagescheme adapted to reduce visual detection.
 20. A flight capable mobileplatform adapted for enhanced protection against hostile detection andaggression, said mobile platform comprising: a pair of wings adapted toallow the mobile platform to be transported within a larger airbornesecond mobile platform; an armored payload bay formed within a fuselageof the mobile platform, the armored payload bay including: a pair ofarmored walls, each armored wall including an exterior surface cantedsuch that top portions of the exterior surfaces are in closer Proximityto each other than bottom portions of the exterior surfaces to reduceradar cross section returns, and an armored bottom adapted to allowingress and egress of cargo from the payload bay; and at least one pulseejector thrust augmentor (PETA) bank disposed within each sidewall, eachPETA bank including a Plurality of interconnected pulsejets and adaptedto cant outward such that a thrust exhaust produced by each PETA bank isdirected down and outwardly away from a centerline of the payload bay.21. The mobile platform of claim 20, wherein the flight capable mobileplatform comprises a vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. 22.The mobile platform of claim 20, wherein the wings are adapted to have afixed wingspan to allow the mobile platform to be transported within,and deployed from, the larger second mobile platform while the largersecond mobile platform is airborne.
 23. The mobile platform of claim 20,wherein the wings are adapted to be moved between a first position and asecond position so that the mobile platform can be transported withinthe larger second mobile platform to a remote ground location with thewings in the second position.
 24. The mobile platform of claim 20,wherein each armored wall comprises a plurality of protective layersadapted to protect an interior area of the payload bay from infiltrationby flying objects, the protective layers including at least two of thefollowing: an outer skin of each sidewall; an integral storagecompartment formed in each sidewall; a protective outer side panel ofeach PETA bank; a plurality of PETA propulsion devices included in eachPETA bank; a protective inner side panel of each PETA bank; a layer ofacoustical insulating included in each sidewall; and a payload bay panelincluded in each sidewall.
 25. The mobile platform of claim 20, whereinthe fuselage includes long, aligned edges adapted to reduce radar crosssection returns.
 26. The mobile platform of claim 20 further comprisinga cruise propulsion system disposed within an interior portion of thefuselage to reduce radar cross section returns and acoustical detection.27. The mobile platform of claim 26, wherein the cruise propulsionsystem includes a high efficiency, high bypass turbofan adapted to coolan exhaust from the cruise propulsion system to reduce infrareddetection.
 28. The mobile platform of claim 20, wherein the fuselageincludes a lower aft deck adapted to reduce infrared detection.
 29. Themobile platform of claim 20, wherein each PETA bank includes at leastone absorber adapted to narrow an acoustical bandwidth of noisegenerated by each PETA propulsion device and thereby reduce acousticaldetection.
 30. The mobile platform of claim 20, wherein the fuselage andwings include a camouflage scheme adapted to reduce visual detection.31. A flight capable mobile platform adapted for reduced vulnerabilityto hostile detection of and aggression, said mobile platform comprising:a fuselage having an armored bottom and a pair of armored sidewalls thatinclude a plurality of protective layers adapted to protect an interiorarea of a payload bay from infiltration by flying objects, the armoredbottom adapted to allow ingress and egress of cargo from the payloadbay; a pair of fixed wings connected to the fuselage, the wings having anon-alterable wingspan adapted to allow the mobile platform to betransported within, and deployed from, a larger airborne second mobileplatform; and a plurality of pulse ejector thrust augmentor (PETA) banksincluding a plurality of interconnected pulsejets, wherein at least onePETA bank is disposed within each sidewall and canted outward such thata thrust exhaust produced by each bank is directed down and outwardlyaway from a centerline of the payload bay; wherein an exterior surfaceof each sidewall is canted such that top portions of the exteriorsurfaces are in closer Proximity to each other than bottom portions ofthe exterior surfaces to reduce radar cross section returns.
 32. Themobile platform of claim 31, wherein the flight capable mobile platformcomprises a vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
 33. Themobile platform of claim 31, wherein the plurality of layers includes atleast two of: an outer skin of each sidewall; an integral storagecompartment disposed in each sidewall; an outer side panel of each PETAbank; a plurality of PETA propulsion devices included in each PETA bank;an inner side panel of each PETA bank; a layer of acoustical insulatingincluded in each sidewall; and a payload bay panel included in eachsidewall.
 34. The mobile platform of claim 31, wherein a plurality ofmajor break lines in an exterior surface of the mobile platform includeslong, aligned edges adapted to reduce radar cross section returns. 35.The mobile platform of claim 31 further comprising a cruise propulsionsystem located within an interior portion of the fuselage to reduceradar cross section returns and acoustical detection.
 36. The mobileplatform of claim 35, wherein the cruise propulsion system includes ahigh efficiency, high bypass turbofan to cool exhaust from the cruisepropulsion system and thereby reduce infrared detection.
 37. The mobileplatform of claim 31, wherein the fuselage includes a lower aft deckadapted to reduce infrared detection.
 38. The mobile platform of claim31, wherein each PETA bank includes at least one absorber adapted tonarrow an acoustical bandwidth of noise generated by each PETApropulsion device and thereby reduce acoustical detection.
 39. Themobile platform of claim 31, wherein the fuselage and wings include acamouflage scheme to reduce visual detection.